Shabazz Napier was the favorite of Lebron James last year, and apparently the kid had some promise. Even though James surprisingly left for the Cleveland Cavaliers, there was still a flicker of hope on what Napier could really bring to Miami Heat.
It never came and if ever there was something that Napier could prove, it will be now made with the Orlando Magic.
Napier was dealt to Magic in exchange for a 2016 second-round pick; but the move is more importantly seen as a big sigh of relief for the Heat as they try to avoid the dreaded luxury tax penalties heading into the 2016-17 NBA season.
The Heat stand to be the first team to pay the penal repeater tax for the coming season. The team has been trying to avoid that by unloading some of their players who have heavily priced contracts and replacing them with other players.
The team also seeks to trade away forward Chris Andersen and guard Mario Chalmers. To date, no team has expressed interest in both players.
Earlier this year, the Heat also inked a three-team trade that saw 26-year-old guard Norris Cole go to the New Orleans Pelicans.
For Napier, moving to the Orlando Magic provides him with another opportunity to show what he is made of, even though he may be playing behind starter Elfrid Payton and newly-acquired C.J. Watson. However, a bump to chief reliever for Payton could occur depending on how Napier shines for the Magic.
Napier didn't exactly churn out a great season last year despite being hyped by James before the latter decided to go back home to Cleveland.
He appeared in 51 games and averaged 5.1 points and 2.5 assists per game.
The Magic could benefit from Napier, adding a new young face to the roster aside from receiving cash as well.
